Skiing pleasure at over 3,000 meters above sea level | Glacier ski areas

Land of mountains, land of glaciers. Several parts of Austria are famous for being anything other than flat, but many people tend to be surprised when they find out that there are around 900 glaciers here. Does spending time on the glaciers sound appealing? Eight of Austria’s glaciers can be skied on. Five of these are in Tyrol, but there are fantastic glaciers in other parts of Austria, too. In Salzburg Land, there is an extremely popular glacier in the beautiful town of Zell am See.

Tyrol’s 5 glaciers

Tyrol has a fascinating selection of glaciers. The five large glacier skiing resorts in the Kaunertal Valley, the Pitztal Valley, Sölden, Stübai and Hintertux ensure pure skiing pleasure. As they are all taller than 3,000 metres, there is a maximum guarantee of snow.
 
You are sure to have nice rest, a good season and wonderful days on the glacier in Tyrol. It is possible to ski nearly the whole year through. Winter sports enthusiasts enjoy unforgettable moments on Tyrol’s five glaciers from early autumn until far into the spring. There is a slope for everyone amidst the 300 kilometres of pistes the glacier ski resorts have to offer. Tyrol’s glaciers are varied and offer both long, spacious slopes as well as steep slopes for experts. It is also easy for families and beginners to find well-prepared, flat pistes. It is hard to get bored on the glacier. The beautiful sun decks and cosy restaurants round off the glacier feeling. Just switch off and enjoy your time.

Located 45 minutes from Innsbruck in the Stubaital Valley, the Stubai Glacier is Austria’s largest glacier skiing resort. Thanks to altitudes of 1,750 to 3,200m, there is sure to be snow between October and June. The Stubai Glacier is made up of several glaciers: Daunfer, Eisjochfer, Gaißkarfer, Fernaufer and Windachfer. 65km of pistes are available for skiing and snowboarding. 22 lifts transport the guests.

Hintertux Glacier

Austria’s most popular year-round skiing resort provides perfect conditions for skiing every single day of the year. At an altitude of up to 3,250m, winter sports enthusiasts can expect 60km of natural snow-covered pistes catering to all abilities, fantastic deep-snow slopes and challenging mogul slopes. The expansive slopes, legendary après ski scene and Hintertux’ Betterpark (between April and December) promise fun and action.
The natural ice palace captivates its visitors with magical icicles, charming ice formations and glittery ice crystals. A spectacle of nature which should not be missed. Visitors enjoy the fabulous 360° all-round view from the panorama terrace. At the Spannagel Cave Natural Monument, it is possible to find out about the history of the glacier as well as other interesting facts. Hintertux’ glacier world can also be experienced on a guided hike.

The glacier skiing resort of Sölden

Many skiing fans dream of taking a skiing holiday or day trip to the legendary Sölden. The Tiefenbach and Rettenbach Glaciers are part of the glacier skiing resort of Sölden. In the Ötztal Alps, the skiing season lasts from October to May. As a venue for the FIS Ski World Cup, the Rettenbach-Tiefenbach Glacier compiles three summits of 3,000 metres, which are connected with modern lifts. There is action on the glacier in the summer, too, as this mountain world becomes a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers.

 
Pitztal Glacier

The Pitztal Glacier was awarded the federal state of Tyrol’s slope quality seal. It is the training area for Alpine national teams and home of the ex-professional skier Benni Raich. Here, too, the skiing season begins in the late summer and lasts well into the spring. Many of the 22km of slopes have gentle declines. They are ideal for carvers, beginners and families. Challenging slopes can be discovered on the Hinterer Brunnenkogel.

Kaunertal Glacier

The slope which is apparently the steepest in Europe can be found in the Kaunertal Valley. Have you ever heard of the Black Ibex? This slope is supposed to be even steeper than Kitzbühel’s “Streif”. Those who are seeking something a little less challenging and prefer more gentle slopes can also find more relaxing slopes in the Kaunertal Valley. On the 32.5km of slopes to date, both novices and experts can ski to their heart’s content. There are no queues in the Kaunertal Valley. The Weißseejoch lift has completed the offer of lifts and new slopes in this glacier skiing resort perfectly. From the upcoming winter season, it will be possible to discover 50 well-prepared kilometres of slopes on the Kaunertal Glacier.

The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier (Zell am See-Kaprun)

The season begins in October on the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier. Thanks to the new lift connection from Kaprun via Maiskogel to Kitzsteinhorn, it is possible to travel on one of the two new lifts from the centre of Kaprun to the breathtaking glacier resort of Kitzsteinhorn. 32 specially designed cabins and two fully glazed explorer cabins provide an impressive 360-degree panoramic view. You will have a memorable experience seeing the fascinating 3000m-tall mountains lining the Kaprun Valley and enjoying the astonishing views of the valley towards Lake Klammsee and Lake Zell. Here, you can expect magnificent sights, guaranteed snow and sheer enjoyment on the glacier.
 
Let us travel a little further away. The Mölltal Glacier is situated in beautiful Carinthia. At heights of up to 3,122m, Carinthia’s only glacier skiing resort has a guarantee of snow almost the whole year round. Enjoy the stunning panorama and fresh mountain air. On the Mölltal Glacier, this is possible on around 320 days a year. Located in Styria, the Dachstein Glacier is also impressive. At 2,700 metres tall, Styria’s highest mountain stands out due to its outstanding natural backdrop and striking panorama. The views are not just good from the top: you can also see far into the distance, above Austria’s summits, as far as the Czech Republic and Slovenia. Those who are farsighted are sure to set their eyes on Tyrol’s glaciers sooner or later. Here, there are no fewer than five impressive giants from the last ice age.

If you long to relax by a fireplace within your own four walls after a fantastic day on the glacier, but have not yet found the right property, Engel & Völkers Alpenregion Tirol & Salzburg Land is the right contact partner for you. Together, we will find your dream property. Then you will be able to enjoy the glacier and go home to finish off a wonderful day of skiing by the fire.

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